President Trump is making a final push for Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) as her campaign faces headwinds in the race to succeed her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Trump will join Graham at a rally in Myrtle Beach on Friday, two days before the GOP primary runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).
The contest is shaping up as a key test of Trump's endorsement power, especially after Graham's shaky performance in a Tuesday debate where she stumbled on a national security question. Her answer, in which she admitted that national security is not her strong suit, drew sharp criticism from rivals and highlighted her political inexperience.
Myrtle Beach is strategically significant: it sits in the district of Rep. Russell Fry, who lost the initial Senate primary and has not endorsed. Both campaigns are vying for his supporters, making the area crucial for turnout. Mick Mulvaney, a former Trump chief of staff and South Carolina congressman, said the location is ideal for reaching undecided voters. He noted that Trump's endorsement carries weight but cautioned that polling suggests only about 40% of voters place heavy importance on it.
“That, combined with her astonishingly poor performance in the debate earlier this week, may make this race much closer than people realize,” Mulvaney said.
During the debate, Graham was asked how Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues. She responded, “National security is not my thing,” but voiced support for the military. The remark drew immediate fire from Norman and his allies, including former Gov. Nikki Haley, who endorsed Norman. Haley said in a post on X that Graham's admission is disqualifying for a Senate seat, especially given her brother's legacy as a foreign policy leader.
Norman also criticized the response, calling it “serious” and adding that Graham's backers represent everything he opposes. Graham attempted to clarify on Fox News' “Hannity,” casting herself as an anti-career politician who speaks plainly.
Some South Carolina Republicans see her honesty as refreshing. Maggie Knox, a state GOP official who remains neutral, said Graham's answer was an honest response, even if it could have been better phrased. “I liked it that she didn't pretend like she knew something she didn't,” Knox said.
Graham enters the runoff with the advantage of Trump's endorsement and her family name, but Trump's influence is not infallible. This cycle, his endorsed candidates have suffered losses in several primaries, including in Florida, Tennessee, and Iowa. In South Carolina, Trump issued a rare double endorsement in June after his initial pick failed to avoid a runoff.
Norman, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, has supported Trump's agenda but endorsed Haley in the 2024 presidential primary. Graham's campaign argues Norman would be a lone wolf in the Senate, while Norman insists his support for Trump is “unwavering.”
The race remains tight, with both sides mobilizing supporters. Trump's rally could provide a last-minute boost, but as Mulvaney noted, the outcome may hinge on whether voters trust Graham to handle the job's demands.
